A/N Hope ya'll, lol... ya'll, enjoy this chapter :) Drama, drama! Also, forgot to say at the ending last chapter, I'm TRYING to be secretive about the song... don't know if it's working. Just some hints here and there... Moving on... I'm going to ATTEMPT to keep it in present tense and see how it turns out, so forgive me if it sounds a little odd.
To SexyBleachGuys - OMG, thank you so much for telling me! Right after I read your review I went back and fixed it and the whole day I was like... How can I be so stupid? !
To Everyone Else - Thank ya for your reviews! I would just LOVE to go and write all your names, but I'm really just too lazy. Sorry ;-; I hope you don't hate me now...
Alright, that's it! Enjoy Fame and Fortune Chapter 11!
Day Three ( Wednesday )
Karakura High School
Shiro's POV
I don't believe that I actually came to school today after what happened yesterday. I admitted to myself that I had feelings for someone for probably the first time in my fucking life and now I think I can just face them and act like nothing is wrong. Oh, and let's not forget that my rival in music and my career is now, also, fighting me for Ichigo. Wait, wait a fucking minute. No, Shiro, you are not, I repeat, NOT, going to try and have a relationship with the boy. I'm not allowing myself to feel anything more for him, I am saying and will continue saying this to myself until it works. Unfortunately, Shiro, you ignorant bastard, it's not working! Get that through your thick head!
Yes, if you're curious, this is me talking to myself in my head. I'm walking to school, yelling at myself, commanding myself to not fall for the boy anymore, but I know it's a failed attempt. I know the moment I set eyes on Ichigo, my control will go to shit and I'll find myself falling in deeper and deeper. Hell, by coming to school today I'm practically digging my own grave! I know all this, I understand it all too well, yet I can't stay away. I feel that if I stay away from him I'll slowly go insane. What has he done to me? What have I done to myself? I don't even know who the fuck I am anymore!
This isn't what scares me though. Ok, maybe it does a bit. Ok, OK! It scares the shit out of me, it really does. I'll admit it. I'm scared that Ichigo is going to change me into someone else. Someone that actually gives a shit about someone else. How they feel, how they're doing, if they're happy, and all that sappy shit. All these are symptoms of love, and goddamn it, I don't want to be some love struck idiot! I never loved a single person in my life and I have no intention of changing that anytime soon, thank you very much.
What terrifies me, though, is that deep inside I can see it happening. I can see myself being with Ichigo, sitting on the couch watching TV like any other happy couple that are... in love~ I actually gag. The thought is disgusting. Absolutely sickening. So why do I find a part of myself actually considering the idea. That it might not be as bad as I think it is. No, Shiro, no. Love is a horrible, disgusting feeling that sucks you dry.
You're probably wondering why I feel so strongly about love. Insert gag here. Well, when I was younger my mom and dad claimed to be 'in love' and to 'love' me. Yea... RIGHT. That's exactly why my dad left my mom for someone else and my mom left me at an orphanage. Wow, love is just fucking AMAZING, isn't it? Also, the people that really are in love normally turns out to be one sided. Boy loves girl, girl is a bitch, girl rejects the boy in love, boy's life spiral downwards into a never ending dark pit of despair. See my point? I would rather not end up in that pit. The last reason, the rare case, is that they both actually do love each other. Yet, it never fails that something goes horribly wrong. A misunderstanding, cheating, lies, money, family, all that good crap. No thank you. I'll pass.
I'm so lost deep in my own thoughts that I run right into the door. I glance around, and sigh when nobody was around to see that. Hmm. Why aren't there any people out in the halls? Walking into the classroom, a look at the clock tells me that I'm actually late... by half an hour. Fucking fantastic. Now the whole class is staring at me and my group is shooting me dirty glances for being late. Well, excuse me your high and mighty fucks. God. I should not have came to school today. My mood is already blown to shit and I don't want to put up with all these idiots. Now, I'll tell you this right now. I have yet to look at Ichigo and I won't if I have any say in the matter. Unless I'm forced to look at him, I have no intention to. That doesn't mean I can't glare daggers and death at Grimmjow though.
"Well, it's very nice to see you here today Mr. Ogichi. Now, if you don't mind, please take your seat so I can continue with the instructions for the next part of the assignment," Aizen-sama casually stated with a slight tilt of his lips. I dare say it again, Ulquiorra and this man are sewn from the same cloth, I swear.
I sighed and start walking over to my seat. I glance up, albeit very quickly, to see that Ichigo is staring out the window, his head resting on his hand. Then I look at Grimmjow. He's turned almost all the way around in his seat and, apparently, feeling quite free to glare at me with a look that just screams 'I'm gonna murder you, you asshole'. Whatever. I glare back, not holding back in the slightest and Grimmjow apparently decides something important. He smiles his feral grin that could kill small animals with fear and turns around. It's not five seconds later and Grimmjow fake, it's obvious it's fake, yawns and stretches his arms behind his head. I don't see the point in him doing that. That is, until his one hand runs through Ichigo's sunset hair and he freezes at the contact.
That bastard. My eyes are narrowing to thin slits and glint dangerously. I'm seeing red and it takes every last ounce or self restraint to not go over there and finally teach Grimmjow who the fuck he's messing with. I hear a sharp intake of breath and look over to see Shinji staring at the exchange between Grimmjow and Ichigo with hard eyes. So, he knows, too. I can't help it. I smile, sure that all my teeth are showing. Perfect. I honestly can say that I don't know Shinji on a personal level, but, like everyone else, I've heard my fair share of rumors about him. I heard that the last time another guy tried to make a move on the very straight Ichigo he left with very recognizable scratch marks running down the side of his face and his arms were littered with bite marks. The only thing the poor guy could say after that for a month was 'Oh, my God. He's not human. Not human. His nails... and his teeth. His teeth...' The guy oddly quit his piano classes after that, which many found very odd since he was actually pretty decent at it. Oh, well. None of my concern.
At that moment, Grimmjow must have looked back at me to gauge my reaction, because Shinji followed his line of vision. When Shinji saw me with my smile, he must have added two and two together and smiled. Now I have an ally. I'll bring Grimmjow down if it kills me, I swear it, and now Shinji is on my side to help me if I need it. It feels amazing to know I have backup.
"Alright, now that I'm done explaining your next part of the project I would like you to proceed and show me your progress so far. Yes, leaders, that means you," people scattered throughout the classroom stand up and Ichigo is following suit. He digs in his bad and his hand reemerges with the paper he had been writing on last night. I notice, though, that it's on a much crisper, newer piece of paper and the handwriting is much better. I realize that Ichigo must have rewrote it early this morning to get a better grade. Aww... I'm so proud of him. I mentally slap myself. Don't think like that, Shiro. Don't get attached. Oh, remember when I said I'm digging my own grave? I think I just added another forty feet in depth. This is not going well, not in the slightest.
I'm watching Aizen check over the lyrics of some of the other groups since Ichigo is the last one in line. I spot a look of disapproval, one of mild surprise, utter boredom, disbelief (at the stupidity of it, I'm sure, since it's not a good look of disbelief), and when it's Ichigo's turn to present the paper multiple emotions flicker across his face. The first one being shock, the next being astonishment, and then finally settling on approval and pride. I take that as a sign he likes our paper. He points something out on the paper and looks up, saying something to Ichigo and his face falls. What the hell? Ichigo responds in what must be a sad voice. Aizen pats Ichigo on his back and continues looking over the paper, discussing different topics by the look of it. Ichigo finally loses that sad look in his eyes and starts responding with a happy shimmer in his eyes. Aizen says something else and Ichigo places his finger on his chin, a habit that I quickly found out that he's thinking, and snaps his fingers once and excitedly responds. Aizen nods, pleased, and sends him on his way.
"Now that I'm done grading your first section of the project, I would like you to discuss with your group about the next part. Please, though, keep your voice to a minimum since I do need to submit these grades. Continue on," Aizen turns to his computer and starts typing.
"Um, I hate to ask this, but what the hell are we supposed to be doing now," Shinji whispers to us. I share looks with Ichigo and Grimmjow. All four of us look at Renji, who is smirking while, at the same time, wearing a look of disbelief.
"You're all fucking joking right? There is NO way in HELL that I was the only one listening, RIGHT?" he's clearly acting since he's still wearing that smirk.
Diagonal me, Grimmjow growls. "No, ya fuckin' pineapple. I was too busy sleepin'. So wha' we gotta do?" Grimmjow's voice leaves no room for questioning or backtalk from anyone.
Yet, Renji still manages to snort and wave his hand dismissively. "Whatever. You sure you want to talk like that to the only goddamn person in the group who knows what the fuck we're supposed to be doing," he looks at Grimmjow who really can't say anything to that, so he just sits there with his mouth shut and glaring at Renji. "That's what I though, Mr. Professional. Now, we already have the chorus and the tune for the chorus complete. That means that we only have to do the first part before the chorus, lyrics and tune. It's due Monday at the beginning of class. Easy enough," Renji finished with a shrug.
"That's it?" Ichigo asks in astonishment.
"Yup," Renji smiles.
I look at the clock and notice that we only have about ten minutes until the bell for lunch rings. "Well, we don't have hardly any time left, so we'll work on it after lunch, ya?" I offer since nobody is doing anything.
"Sure, sounds great," Shinji says.
After that, everyone gets really quiet. And not your peaceful quiet. It's more like the peace before the storm. Speaking of which...
"So, whose house tonight," Grimmjow's feral grins makes it's appearance.
"Um, Ichi?" Shinji and Renji look to him.
"No, can't sorry. No matter how fucking annoying my dad is, I think his nose is bothering him. Goat face needs his rest."
Oh, yea. That's right. Ichigo broke his dad's nose yesterday. That has got to be bothering him today.
"Well, I can't," Renji speaks matter of factly.
"Me neither, my house is a disaster," Shinji sighs.
"How 'bout my house?" Grimmjow offers.
"Nah, it's too far away. Same for Shiro's house," Ichigo pinches his nose in between his thumb and forefinger, probably fighting off a headache.
I know that I need to talk to Shinji before class ends, so I decide that this is the perfect opportunity to seperate him from the group for a little private conversation.
"Alright, guess we have tha' afternoon ta' ourselves then. Oh, that's right! I forgot ta' tell Shinji somethin' yesterday. Can ya excuse us?" I ask and Shinji looks at me questioningly, before understanding flashes across his face and he stands up.
"Alright. Yea, excuse us," Shinji follows me over to the back of the room where I turn around and lean against the wall.
"Spill. I know you did something with Ichi yesterday," Shinji wastes no time getting down to the point, which is good considering our time restraint.
"I can only give ya' an overview. Grimmjow must'a tried something last night. I heard a door slam upstairs and when I got up there ta' check on Ichi he was cryin' on his bed in ta' corner. I went over there and assured him it was ok. Then he fell asleep and I left," I shrugged. I wasn't telling him more than that.
"Alright, sounds about right," I look at him and he sighs, running his hand over his face. "I stopped by this morning at Ichi's place to see if he was ok. He said he was fine and when I asked about it he told me everything. I'm guessing that you don't know what Grimmjow did, correct?" Shinji nods when I shake my head. "Apparently Grimmjow kissed him last night and Grimmjow only left when Ichi went all bitch on him," I laugh once without humor.
"Well, that explains a lot. He seemed pretty upset."
"Really?" Shinji rolls his eyes and continues. "Alright, I'm not stupid, you know. It's more than obvious that you like Ichi, but, hey, who am I to tell you not to. Let me just tell you this, don't even try anything. I promise you that I'm not going to just sit back and watch. As long as you keep your distance, I see us getting along just fine. Understand?" Looking straight at me with a murderous glint in his eyes I can only nod my approval. "Good. Next matter. We need to keep Grimmjow away from Ichigo."
"Yer telling me?" Shinji looks at me in a very unpleasant way and I shut up.
"Anyways. I have a plan, but we need to get Renji in on it before I tell you. I'm sure it won't take too much convincing. Renji is as protective of Ichi as I am, if not more. And I have a feeling that Renji's way of protecting Ichi physically will work better than my mental protection. After that, we're going to need Ishida, Inoue, Chad, and Rukia in on it," I wrinkle my nose at Rukia. I'm not exactly fond of the girl. My scratch is still visible on my arm, after all. "Oh, get over it! Do you want to protect him or not? Because if you're not up for it, I'll protect my best friend without your help."
"No, no. I'll help. Now how are we gonna tell Red?" Shinji smiles, at the nickname or that I'm going to help, I don't really know.
"Ok, it's simple really. All we need to do is tell him that Grimmjow kissed Ichigo and Ichigo feels threatened. Done. The rest will be history," Shinji shrugs.
"Really, that's it? Damn."
"Yea, ok. Wait a couple of minutes until we go back. By then, the bell will ring in seconds so we won't be questioned."
"Smart."
"What the HELL did you do to Ichi, Shiro," someone sneers from above me
Meanwhile
Renji's POV
Something's wrong. Even I can see that and I'm known to be a bit tense and unobservant of things like this. Every time Grimmjow sneaks a peak at Ichigo, Ichigo shifts away uncomfortably and looks at anything, anywhere beside the blunette. That is obviously a sign that my best friend is uncomfortable around the blue haired prick. I watch much more carefully, hoping to pick up a clue or two. After a few seconds, I notice that Grimmjow isn't necessarily looking at Ichigo, but, much more precisely, his lips. My suspicion level raises about twenty levels when Grimmjow licks him lips and Ichigo leans even further away. Then I remembered something.
Last night, before Shinji and I left, I went up to see Ichi with Shinji and we found Ichi asleep. He looked peaceful and happy, but upon further inspection you could see the obvious signs that the boy had been crying, and crying hard by the looks of it. It was so obvious! Grimmjow leaving first in anger and then Shiro leaving looking like he had seen a ghost! Shiro must have done something to Ichigo!
I stand up, ignoring the look from Grimmjow and talk to Ichigo. "Hey, Ichi. Why don't you go ask Inoue what she's having for lunch today. I'm sure she's bored over there by herself," Ichi looks at me in obvious relief and rushes over to talk to Inoue, eager to use the escape route, and I walk over to where Shiro and Shinji are talking.
"What the HELL did you do to Ichi, Shiro," I sneer down at the albino, who looks up at me in shock.
"Wha'?"
"Oh don't play stupid with me. You did something to Ichi, it's obvious. Now I want you to tell me just what the fuck you did to my best friend this instant. And I advise doing what I say before I feel the need to get violent," I can feel my fingernails digging into my palms as my hands tighten into fists. After Ichigo protected me when I was younger I would do the same for him now when he needed it, even if he didn't ask for my help.
"WOAH! Calm down there, Ren! He didn't do anything! Grimmjow did it, not Shiro. Now you really need to calm down before you hurt yourself," I can't do anything but stand there in shock.
After closing my eyes and breathing for a couple of seconds, I felt rationality's presence in my mind. My eyes still shut I continue. "Alright, I'll believe you. After all, there is no reason for you to lie to me, Shinji. Now I want to know two things. What did that blue haired bastard do to Ichi and how are we going to keep him away?" I open my eyes and see Shinji smirking dangerously. Good. That means we both want the same thing. Revenge.
"Actually, it's probably better if we don't tell you what Grimmjow did. I know you have a habit of overreacting, so I'll tell you later, when you're calm. Also, we're going to tell Ishida, Inoue, Chad, and," Shinji showcases his dangerous piano tooth grin which meant trouble, "Rukia."
"Fine, I'll hold you to it. So, let's get to business. What's the plan?"
Grimmjow's POV
I know it. They're planning something over there. To be honest, though, I don't give a fuck. From what I saw today, I was right. Shiro wants Ichi just as much as I do and I'm sure he won't let me have him without a fight. That's just fine with me. He might have the upper hand now, but I have a plan to change all that...
A/N Yay! A chapter in a decent amount of time! :O Shocking, I know. Next chapter another milestone will be broken! 40,000 words!
For all the new readers, returning readers, and everyone else... REVIEW! Please ;-;? More reviews mean faster updates! And they make me happy!